The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended certain visa categories for Nigerians and citizens of 13 other countries, citing efforts to clamp down on unauthorized pilgrimages and ensure public safety ahead of the 2025 Hajj.
In a sweeping move to regulate this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian government has announced the temporary suspension of multiple visa types for citizens of 14 countries—including Nigeria.
The decision comes as part of measures to curb illegal pilgrimages and maintain safety during the holy season.
Other countries affected by the visa suspension include: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
According to Saudi authorities, the suspension is aimed at stopping unregistered individuals from attempting the pilgrimage without official Hajj permits.
These unauthorized pilgrimages have, in recent years, led to overcrowding and serious logistical challenges, including limited access to medical care, shelter, and basic amenities.
While Umrah visa holders will still be allowed entry into the kingdom until April 13, the broader visa suspension is expected to last until mid-June, when this year’s Hajj concludes.
Saudi Arabia operates a strict quota system that allocates a limited number of Hajj slots to each country. However, many prospective pilgrims—unable to afford the high cost of official packages—resort to using alternative visa channels such as business or family visas, often staying beyond permitted durations and participating in the Hajj illegally.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah warned that those caught violating pilgrimage regulations could face a five-year ban from entering the Kingdom.
This action follows alarming statistics from the 2024 Hajj, during which at least 1,301 pilgrims—most of whom were undocumented—reportedly died, primarily due to heat exhaustion. The ministry said over 400,000 unregistered pilgrims joined the Hajj last year, with a significant number coming from Egypt.
In addition to managing Hajj logistics, Saudi authorities also raised concerns over foreigners entering the country on non-work visas and taking up illegal employment, disrupting the labour market and violating immigration laws.
Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official response, but the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged intending pilgrims to use only approved travel channels.
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